Utility chief lambasts Washington for energy policy failure, suggests new approach

HOUSTON, Texas _ One of the nation’s most influential utility executives excoriated Washington on Thursday for its failure to cut through partisan bickering and create a cohesive national energy strategy, urging President Obama to create a new, highly empowered position inside the White House to take hold of energy policy.

Dominion Resources Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thomas F. Farrell II said the new position of National Energy Adviser must have the same stature as the national security adviser and chief economic adviser, substantially upgrading the powers, influence and access of the current deputy assistant to the president for energy and climate.